Table of Contents
Installing SimSig LoaderAs of July 2013, a new method of installing and running simulations has been introduced. This does not conflict with the operation of the previous .exe standalone simulations which will continue to operate as previously.
The original executable (.exe) format for sims meant that each sim was created on the core SimSig code that existed at that time. When the SimSig Core Code was updated to iron out any bugs or include new features, the .exe sims would not benefit from this and was still stuck with the old core code until the developer re-compiled it and issued an updated version. That is why a lot of the older sims do not include things like the F8 Simplifier , etc.
With this new system, the Name.sim file is the data needed to create, display and run the simulation. However, the core code to run the simulation is all in the SimSig Loader. When the core code is updated, the SimSig Loader will be updated (note the Check for Updates button) and will then use the new code - any bug fixes or new features in the latest core code will apply to the existing Name.sims. For example we now have the option for the custom dwell times, which is not something available for any of the released .exe sims. In future, when something like that comes along in a new version of the SimSig Loader (and subject to any issues about backwards compatibility), it should then also become available to older simulations without any input from the developer or the need to recompile the .exe and distribute it.
The base SimSig folder should have two sub-folders: 'Simulations', where the simulations are stored; and 'Timetables', where timetable are stored. Inside both of these sub-folders should be further sub-folders for each simulation - the one in the Simulations folder should contain any splash screens (of which at-least one usually comes with the simulation), and any saves (.SSG files) you've got; whilst the one in the Timetables folder should contain the timetable (.WTT) file. A separate rules file (.WTR) to go along with each individual timetable no longer exists, as rules are now included within the 'new' .WTT files.
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Downloading the latest System Files will install Loader on your system. Loader (and simulations) can be then updated to latest version by clicking "Check for updates" in Loader.
- From the Downloads>Official Software>System Files area, download and run the SimSig System files to install the system files, SimSigLoader.exe and SimSigLicense.exe. This should set up the main SimSig folder in a location of the User's choice with the SimSigLoader.exe, and the necessary subfolders;
- From the Downloads>Official Software>Simulations area, download and install your chosen simulation(s). This process should generate the required files in the appropriate locations;
- If the simulation is payware, you will need to purchase the licence from the Shop.
If you install everything to the default location suggested by the installers, you can simply launch the Loader at this point and play a simulation. See Starting a simulation for more details. If you want to install to custom locations, keep reading, as you'll have to tell the Loader where to look for simulations, saves and timetables.
The default folder structure that the SimSigLoader.exe uses is
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It is possible to install the Loader and Licence Manager in bespoke locations as well as the default folder. In this case the user needs to tailor the settings in the loader to their system. There is no requirement to put the Simulations and Timetables in sub-folders below the Loader, but they must be in a similar structure to that shown in the Reference Section above as per this diagram:
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When this structure has been created, the operator needs to use the Folder Options button on the Loader screen. This opens to 4 pre-set folder locations but with the option to add or delete folders. Uncheck any of the 4 folders that have been previously checked, then browse to the
Important Note: Due to various restrictions by Windows, it is not recommended to install simulations in C:\Program Files, C:\Program Files(x86), C:\ or similar. You are strongly advised to use the default location- only change it if you know what you're doing!
You will need to be connected to the internet to run licensed simulations, unless you have locked the license to the machine.
The Loader is programmed to look in defined locations for the Name.sim and associated Timetable files. These locations are selected using the "Folder Options" button on the front page of the Loader screen. Four locations have been pre-programmed or the user can add bespoke locations. If the user has installed the Name.sim and associated Timetable files in a bespoke location, the
The Loader knows which facilities are required by each simulation and whether it provides them. If you run a new simulation on an old loader, it may require a facility that that old loader doesn't provide. If so, it detects this fact and displays the simulation name in red. Similarly, it may be that a facility has had to be removed or changed in an incompatible manner, though this should be very very rare - this case will also be shown in red. This will mean that the simulation file will need to be rebuilt and re-released.
Moved to History .
Last edited by Steamer on 28/10/2021 at 20:40